Norse mythology refers to the mythology and religion of the Norse (also called Vikings) and Germanic peoples, which existed before their conversion to Christianity. The myths are vibrant, intriguing and unique, showcasing the beliefs and ideals of the people who believed in them.
Norse mythology is full of interesting and complex figures, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya and Frigg. It can be harsh and sordid, often even fatalistic, representing the worldview of the Norse people and the harsh environment they lived in.
As Neil Gaiman so aptly puts it, “The Norse myths are the myths of a chilly place, with long, long winter nights and endless summer days, myths of a people who did not entirely trust or even like their gods, although they respected and feared them.”
Our series on Norse mythology covers all the main characters, creatures and events, highlighting the importance of the stories and their symbolism and relevance today.
The huldra or hulder may sound rugged and masculine but they are actually exceptionally fair female mystical beings in Norse mythology. In fact, through their varying myths and legends across all ...
The nine worlds of Norse mythology are full of bizarre mythical creatures such as giants, dwarves, elves, norns and the Kraken. While Norse mythology is predominantly about the Norse gods, these ...
From the ancient Germanic tribes that plagued Rome to the medieval Viking raiders that reached North American shores, most Norse cultures have never shied away from war. This is clearly reflected ...
The “Old Continent” is a place of hundreds of ancient mythological pantheons and thousands of gods. Most of them are have been around for many millennia have influenced other legends and deities ...
Gullveig is one of those special characters in Norse myths and legends that is scarcely mentioned but yet plays an important role. The subject of endless speculation, Gullveig is a character that ...
Nerthus – is she yet another Norse goddess of the Earth or is she something truly special? And if it’s both, maybe Nerthus can help explain why there are so many seemingly duplicated Norse ...
Most cultures across the globe have legends of dragons and terrifying serpent-like monsters, and the Norse are no exception. In addition to Jörmungandr, the terrifying World Serpent and slayer of ...
The Allfather god Odin is typically depicted with a pair of ravens on his shoulders. Odin’s ravens, known as Hugin and Munin (pronounced HOO-gin and MOO-nin and also spelled Huginn and Muninn), ...
The famous “End of Days” cataclysmic event in Norse myths, Ragnarok is the culmination of all myths and legends of the Norse people. It’s one of the most unique apocalyptic events in human ...
The Norns in Norse mythology are very similar to the Greek Fates and to other female celestial beings from other religions and mythologies. Arguably, the Norns are the most powerful beings of all ...
Valhalla is the great hall of Odin, located in Asgard. It is here that Odin, the Allfather, gathers the greatest Norse heroes to spar, drink, and feast together with his Valkyries and the bard god ...
The Norse Valkyries are among the most famous beings and symbols to survive to this day from ancient Nordic and Germanic mythology. In modern culture, they are usually portrayed as beautiful and ...
